President of the Jordan Press Association (JPA) Rakan Saaydeh passed along observations on the 2023 Cybercrimes draft law to the Lower House of Parliament, urging lawmakers to rethink the draft law’s stiffened penalties and loose terms such as “incitement to hatred, character assassination, and false news.” During a meeting on Monday with the Speaker of the Parliament Ahmad Safadi, Saaydeh said that some articles of the cybercrimes bill must be reviewed and amended to preserve and protect the freedom of the press and freedom of speech. He indicated that the association is against any violations, transgressions or abuses that may occur on social media platforms, but measures that affect the freedom of the press are “unacceptable.” Safadi, for his part, indicated that: “The Lower House considers the media an essential partner in monitoring. We view [the media] as a cornerstone in the comprehensive modernization process, which tackles the political, economic and administrative tracks under royal directives.” Lawmakers support freedom of speech and freedom of the press, said Safadi, however, he noted, penalties and fines have become necessary to punish violators and blackmailers who target society and its safety. He underscored that the lower house handles the draft law’s texts in accordance with the highest levels of national responsibility. Head of the lower house’s legal committee Ghazi Thunaibat stressed commitment to hearing all points of view regarding the draft law, pointing out that the committee is holding meetings with various parties and stakeholders to improve the law in a way that guarantees press freedoms.

Source: Jordan News Agency